This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2016
Original fight poster promoting the World Heavyweight Championship fight between Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston, the second meeting between the two storied fighters. It was Ali’s first title defense after defeating Liston to become champion a year earlier. Clay won the fight with a knockout just two minutes into the first round. The poster is promoting a closed circuit broadcast of the fight, shown on a large theatre screen at Ponce de Leon Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The bottom of the poster reads “Direct from Ringside - BOSTON GARDEN” — Boston Garden has been crossed out in blue pen with Lewiston, Maine written beneath. The fight was originally scheduled for the Boston Garden in November 1964, the fight was postponed six months when, three days before the scheduled bout, Ali needed emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia. “1 minute First Round - Winner” is also written near Ali’s image. The poster is in VG condition with some cracking and staining. A nice vintage specimen that still retains great eye appeal!